Vehicle Seat Distance Sensing for Manual and Motorized Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seats with manually adjustable frames cannot determine the distance between the base and the frame, limiting their ability to offer features like position memory and morphological advice.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle seat with a measuring device that includes an angular position sensor and an articulated arm, allowing the distance between the base and the frame to be determined based on the arm's rotation angle, regardless of whether the seat is motorized or manually adjustable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a motorized displacement system is used to determine the distance between the frame and the base, then the distance can be measured, but the seat cannot be manually adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurementVSAvoidadjustment method compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motorized counting system with a mechanical measurement system using an angular position sensor and articulated arm. The angular position sensor detects the rotation angle of the articulated arm, which is mechanically linked to the frame position, thereby determining the distance between the frame and base without requiring a motorized actuation system. This allows both manual and motorized seats to benefit from distance measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a motorized system with revolution counting is used, then position memory functionality can be provided, but the solution is not applicable to manually actuated seats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality availabilityVSAvoidsystem requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes the complex motorized revolution counting system with a simpler mechanical linkage system coupled with an angular position sensor. The articulated arm is mechanically connected to the frame adjustment mechanism, and the angular position sensor directly measures the arm's rotation angle to determine frame position. This simplified system works with both manual wheels and motorized actuators, enabling position memory and other functionalities across all seat types without requiring complex motor control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If motorized displacement is used for frame adjustment, then distance determination is possible, but manual actuation is not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information availabilityVSAvoidactuation method flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system consisting of the articulated arm that connects the frame adjustment mechanism to the angular position sensor. This intermediary mechanism translates the physical movement of the frame (whether manually or motorized) into a measurable rotation angle of the articulated arm. The angular position sensor then converts this angle into position information, thereby preserving position data availability while supporting both manual and motorized actuation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the provision of additional functionalities, such as position memory and morphological advice, in both motorized and manually adjustable seats, while being inexpensive, reliable, and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

the measuring device comprises at least one angular position sensor mounted on the base or on the frame and an arm articulated on said angular position sensor and extending between said angular position sensor and a part movable relative to said angular position sensor when the frame is moved relative to the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular position sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS12270642B2Vehicle seat comprising a device for measuring the distance between a base and a frame

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA

AI summary

A vehicle seat includes a base and a frame, the position of which relative to the base is adjustable by an adjustment device having at least one connecting rod articulated to the base and to the frame, the seat further including a device for measuring the distance between the base and the frame. The measuring device has an angular position sensor mounted on the base or on the frame and an arm articulated on the angular position sensor and moving in rotation when the connecting rod is moved in rotation, the angular position sensor determining the distance between the frame and the base as a function of the angle of rotation of the arm.